Microsoft hides "official" workaround for installing Windows 11 on older PCs

[Alfonso Maruccia]

In context: Microsoft has been routinely changing its online support articles about Windows 11. The "ways to install" the operating system have recently been revised, and there are now no "official" workarounds for installing the latest Windows release to unsupported, older machines.

When Windows 11 launched in 2021, Microsoft provided an official method for installing the operating system on devices that didn't meet its stringent hardware requirements. However, four years after its debut, Microsoft and its OEM partners would very much like for customers to purchase newer PCs instead of recycling their older machines.

Microsoft recently updated the official support article that details the installation methods for Windows 11. The revised page no longer includes any workarounds for bypassing hardware checks and installing the OS on unsupported PCs. However, interested users can still browse and learn about the Registry-based "trick" by looking at the page's snapshot saved by Wayback Machine on Internet Archive's servers.

Microsoft appears to have made this change shortly after releasing Windows 11 24H2, an update that proved problematic for many users – both on newer and older hardware. The company has since reaffirmed that Windows 11's system requirements are here to stay, emphasizing the role of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and newer CPUs in ensuring future Windows security.

Bypassing hardware checks during Windows 11 installation has become a common practice. Third-party utilities such as Rufus, Ventoy, and countless others can speed up OS deployment, even on modern systems where hardware requirements shouldn't pose an issue. Additionally, enterprise organizations are likely using these methods extensively across diverse hardware fleets.

Microsoft is now recommending customers to purchase a new PC if they want to access the latest "innovations" in Windows 11. After a decade on the market, Windows 10 is set to reach the end of official support on October 14, 2025. Organizations, however, can extend support by opting for the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) edition of the OS – at a hefty cost.

Analysts and tech pundits are expecting a significant market push coming from the Windows 10 upgrade cycle. Despite Microsoft's push for Windows 11 adoption, Windows 10 still powers the majority of active Windows PCs, indicating that the transition to the newer OS has been slower than the company likely hoped.

Permalink to story:

Microsoft hides "official" workaround for installing Windows 11 on older PCs

 

[Impudicus]

This is how my old windows 10 computers turn into Linux computers.

 

[AnilD]

Windows 10 is still dominant because Windows 11 hasn’t given people a compelling reason to upgrade. If businesses and casual users alike are resisting the transition, it’s probably not just about hardware requirements—it’s about whether the new OS actually offers improvements that justify the hassle and cost. So far, a lot of people seem to be saying no thanks.

 

[TheBigT42]

Alternatives...
Use Rufus to create you windows 11 USB with everything disabled.
Also, you can always replace the windows 10 USB WIM file with a windows 11 WIM file.
Install Windows 10 LTSC 2021 and enjoy until 2027. Use Github Windows Activation Scripts.
I changed my Gaming System to Linux Mint last year and have not missed anything. However, I don't play PVP games.

 

[Axeia]

Now this truly might be the year of Linux. I've had several people with old systems inquire what to do once Win10 support ends and it tends to be people that just use to access a web browser and office.
I've told most to install Linux, chances are the majority will just keep using outdated Win10 but I'm pretty sure a few will switch to Linux with no regrets.

It seems dumb to me that Microsoft already having their users on the decline due to the rise of iOS/Android so willingly seems to give up on Windows 10. Last time users refused to upgrade they kept supporting Windows XP for ages.
Surely It can't cost them that much for just security updates? And they don't sell much hardware themselves. Is harvesting user data on Win11 really that profitable?

I still got an old Core i5 laptop myself that I really don't use anymore unless I need to do network troubleshooting or something. Guess I'll install Linux on it.

 

[maxxcool7421]

""Use Rufus to create you windows 11 USB with everything disabled."" Now of this onlt worked for IoT and not needing IoT special license .. the ONLY way I will run win11 is if I can get a legal single license copy of IoT ..

 

[penn919]

""Use Rufus to create you windows 11 USB with everything disabled."" Now of this onlt worked for IoT and not needing IoT special license .. the ONLY way I will run win11 is if I can get a legal single license copy of IoT ..

A legal copy would be difficult. 11 IoT is only sold to enterprise customers in bulk. Microsoft seems hell bent on making this transition as big a hassle as possible. You can pay for an additional year or subscribe to 0patch, but honestly, I'd say bite the bullet and migrate to Linux. The biggest challenge will be the initial move, but once you've become situated, it's a relief. No more shenanigans to deal with every some-odd years. If you use a distro like Linux mint, you're golden for as long as your hardware can handle the software and not some mandated security spec.

 

[maxxcool7421]

''difficult'' yeah I know ... hence the comment.

 

[scavengerspc]

I hate to say it, but I can't blame them really.

People using a workaround to install 11.
People using a Windows OS from 16 years ago.
People that refuse to allow Windows update to run.
They all have one thing in common. They will sing the highest pitched feminine whine possible when their PC gets infected in any way, and talk about how it's somehow Microsoft's fault.
Then they all talk of their belief that Linux is the superior OS, but they stick with Windows.
THEY ALL, stick with Windows.

It's all just easier to whine.

 

[penn919]

I hate to say it, but I can't blame them really.

People using a workaround to install 11.
People using a Windows OS from 16 years ago.
People that refuse to allow Windows update to run.
They all have one thing in common. They will sing the highest pitched feminine whine possible when their PC gets infected in any way, and talk about how it's somehow Microsoft's fault.
Then they all talk of their belief that Linux is the superior OS, but they stick with Windows.
THEY ALL, stick with Windows.

It's all just easier to whine.

Generally, yes, but I just migrated all my machines to Linux last year with no regret whatsoever. If your hardware is still capable of running modern applications, why would you let the OS get in the way? Microsoft should be in the business of expanding it's reach, not restricting it with inflated requirements. Also, bypasses aren't something we should settle for.

 

[scavengerspc]

Generally, yes, but I just migrated all my machines to Linux last year with no regret whatsoever. If your hardware is still capable of running modern applications, why would you let the OS get in the way? Microsoft should be in the business of expanding it's reach, not restricting it with inflated requirements.Also, bypasses aren't something we should settle for.

It just looks to me (a very lower mid level techie) that Microsoft has had enough getting blamed for the actions, or inactions of so many id***s. My firm has 2 locations right now. A total of 74 PCs. And we haven't had an update do us any harm for almost 3 years now. (Broken USB printer drivers that downloaded and reinstalled automatically on reboot).
But all the same suspects come here to complain about Windows every time even the most minor problems with an update surface. And these people are the "real" techies?

So many act like restricting Windows 11 is some kind of conspiracy. But anytime they wanted, they could throw caution to the wind and allow 11 to be installed on anything without a problem. Can you even imagine how much new revenue that could mean for Microsoft if everyone could just buy a copy and install it? But they don't.

I can't say Microsoft is doing all they can because I don't know for sure.
But I have no doubt they are doing far more than these plebs.

 

[Loadedaxe]

I hate to say it, but I can't blame them really.

People using a workaround to install 11.
People using a Windows OS from 16 years ago.
People that refuse to allow Windows update to run.
They all have one thing in common. They will sing the highest pitched feminine whine possible when their PC gets infected in any way, and talk about how it's somehow Microsoft's fault.
Then they all talk of their belief that Linux is the superior OS, but they stick with Windows.
THEY ALL, stick with Windows.

It's all just easier to whine.

I laughed my *** off, but your 100% right.

 

[Freddie159]

I hate to say it, but I can't blame them really.

People using a workaround to install 11.
People using a Windows OS from 16 years ago.
People that refuse to allow Windows update to run.
They all have one thing in common. They will sing the highest pitched feminine whine possible when their PC gets infected in any way, and talk about how it's somehow Microsoft's fault.
Then they all talk of their belief that Linux is the superior OS, but they stick with Windows.
THEY ALL, stick with Windows.

It's all just easier to whine.

I used to work for a local Government that had 10K pc's total and 1600 in my Department alone, we used ALOT of vendor supplied software to do our data processing and they wanted almost half a Million US$ EACH to upgrade their systems to be compatible with Win11. The bosses even had the IT Techs try using Virtual Box to run Win10 in and it just wasn't reliable enough, so they paid MS to keep getting Win10 Licenses and put it on the newer pc. Eventually they made an 'image' that would wipe out Win11 and install Win10 with all the software on every new pc they got. I don't know how long they can keep 'getting along' but Linux is NOT an option and the software is NOT compatible with Win11!!

 

[Freddie159]

At home I also have over half a dozen older Win10 based systems that I moved to Linux Mint to do my Boinc crunching with and it runs faster under Linux!! Less OS overhead is what I've heard which is a good thing.

 

[JamesBlond]

Dont waste your life with Windows 11, its shirt, I have done max bloatware removal and still its nothing compared to a tiny version of Windows 10 mini, 2Gb install, flies like a rocket on steroids

 

[GeforcerFX]

I used to work for a local Government that had 10K pc's total and 1600 in my Department alone, we used ALOT of vendor supplied software to do our data processing and they wanted almost half a Million US$ EACH to upgrade their systems to be compatible with Win11. The bosses even had the IT Techs try using Virtual Box to run Win10 in and it just wasn't reliable enough, so they paid MS to keep getting Win10 Licenses and put it on the newer pc. Eventually they made an 'image' that would wipe out Win11 and install Win10 with all the software on every new pc they got. I don't know how long they can keep 'getting along' but Linux is NOT an option and the software is NOT compatible with Win11!!

2027, that's when extended support subscriptions expire. After that If your gonna use 10 the systems would need to be airgapped to insure maximum security.

 

[ccccn]

I've tried Windows 11 and can't stand it , it's awful .

 

[Yppah]

I've tried Windows 11 and can't stand it , it's awful .

"Waah" - its all we ever hear. Some might think a tech orientated website would feature members and comments from those tech minded. But apparently not. I mean I cant consider anyone tech minded if they cannot combat M$ Win. I use Win 11. I like the updated aesthetic and it is familiar Windows in the latest iteration. And I bend it to my Will. Disable and block the tracking, remove bloatware and so on etc. It runs Perfect. Way better than Win 10. Less memory usage and power draw in idle. The list goes on...

 

[jeffbert]

Fixed income! My car is 21 years old, & it works fine. Computers ought to be the same!

My PC was loaded with W7, but included W10 discs. I just switched to W10 about 2 years ago, & soon I will be in the same situation again.

 

[ccccn]

"Waah" - its all we ever hear. Some might think a tech orientated website would feature members and comments from those tech minded. But apparently not. I mean I cant consider anyone tech minded if they cannot combat M$ Win. I use Win 11. I like the updated aesthetic and it is familiar Windows in the latest iteration. And I bend it to my Will. Disable and block the tracking, remove bloatware and so on etc. It runs Perfect. Way better than Win 10. Less memory usage and power draw in idle. The list goes on...

Hey man I'm so happy for you , Congratulations , you must be so proud of yourself . If you like it FANTASTIC but the fact is , I and a shi_ ton of others think it sucks and it doesn't mean we aren't technically inclined it means we simply don't care for it for a wide variety of reasons and that's perfectly OK .

 

[dob_1]

I would have upgraded to Windows 11 if my machine had the right hardware. But it is perfectly acceptable for all I do with it, including the occasional HD video render, so there is no real reason to change it. Windows 10 does all I need and nothing in Windows 11 draws me. This is just "planned obsolescence" forcing more purchases for the sake of consumerism. I find it very strange that Microsoft has chosen this path - it seems like they are willing themselves to fail instead of serving their client base.

 

[Liranan]

"Waah" - its all we ever hear. Some might think a tech orientated website would feature members and comments from those tech minded. But apparently not. I mean I cant consider anyone tech minded if they cannot combat M$ Win. I use Win 11. I like the updated aesthetic and it is familiar Windows in the latest iteration. And I bend it to my Will. Disable and block the tracking, remove bloatware and so on etc. It runs Perfect. Way better than Win 10. Less memory usage and power draw in idle. The list goes on...

The only Waah I see is from you, showing off how amazing you are for downgrading to Win Nonsense. I have access to LTSC and absolutely hate this spyware masquerading as OS and will stick with 10 for as long as I can because 11 is tripe.

 

[Liranan]

Generally, yes, but I just migrated all my machines to Linux last year with no regret whatsoever. If your hardware is still capable of running modern applications, why would you let the OS get in the way? Microsoft should be in the business of expanding it's reach, not restricting it with inflated requirements. Also, bypasses aren't something we should settle for.

As someone who runs Mint on the laptop (R5 5600U, 32GB RAM, 2TB SN580), on the media server and in multiple VM's, I can say that Linux has come a very, very long way and is wonderful to work with. The Snap and Flatpack repositories are absolutely fantastic.

Once I've found a solution to the two pieces of Windows exclusive software that I use I'll also switch my desktop to Mint as well, as there's no reason to use Windows any longer, even for games.

 

[axiomatic13]

I tried to go back to Windows 10, but I really missed HDR. If you consume media on your PC, HDR is a must-have, IMO.

 

[ibnMuhammad]

Funny reading all the replies to this article.

The same people crying about EoL for Win10 and not going anywhere, were probably the same people crying about Win7 and moving to spyware-ridden Win10.

Guess what?
Some of us didn't cave.

I'm still using Win7, but yes, older hardware, and yes, no upgrades to Firefox (stuck on v115 esr).

Perhaps another 5 years or more when websites start breaking, I might move to the first iteration of Win10 LTSB (1607).